Niles, Ill., January 11, 2017—Audio and video media are an increasingly vital way of communicating in business, science, education, and government. A new innovative degree program at the Northwestern University School of Communication uses Shure microphones to help students learn field recording techniques that can be applied in a variety of fields.
The MA in Sound Arts and Industries is a one-year Master’s program for media storytellers, artists, and others that emphasizes the application of sound in storytelling, whether for information or entertainment. Students build skills by producing podcasts, documentaries, audio essays, and film soundtracks.
Students are using Shure MV88 and VP88 stereo condenser microphones to capture field recordings, SM7B dynamic microphones to record voiceover narration, SM63LB handheld microphones for field interviews, and SRH440 studio headphones for monitoring. The production skills that they learn reinforce courses in the science of sound and hearing and how sound is used in the arts and culture.
“We are thrilled that our students have the opportunity to use Shure equipment in our program,” said Jacob Smith, Director of the MA in Sound Arts and Industries program. “Shure is a brand that is known and trusted to sound professionals for quality and durability, and our students are inspired by the history of the Shure Corporation as an international leader in audio.”
“The ability to use sound effectively to inform and persuade people has become an essential communications tool in our society,” said Michael Pettersen, Director of Corporate History at Shure. “We are pleased that Northwestern students in this innovative program are learning their craft using Shure microphones.”
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
